Guardiola: 'I am here, more than ever' after Man City guilty verdict
Pep Guardiola has broken his silence on Manchester City's guilty verdict, posting a message of support for the club, its owner, chairman, players, staff, manager Enzo Maresca and supporters. The former City manager said he is 'behind my club' and insisted: 'We will get through this together.'
- What happened: Manchester City were found guilty on all charges related to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules over a nine-season period.
- Who spoke: Pep Guardiola, who left the club in the summer, posted a message alongside chief executive Ferran Soriano.
- Who he named: City's owner, chairman, Ferran Soriano, players, staff, Enzo Maresca and the supporters.
- Timing: The message was posted on September 30, 2026, shortly after the verdict.
- At stake: The fallout from the verdict, including possible punishment, and how the club responds under Maresca.
What was said
"I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever."
"I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters."
"Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."
Guardiola's words, shared in a post alongside City CEO Ferran Soriano, were unambiguous. He did not distance himself from the club, hedge his support or separate the past from the present. Instead, he aligned himself firmly with the hierarchy, the staff, the players and the fanbase.
The intervention carries political weight as much as emotional backing. Guardiola remains one of the most influential figures associated with Manchester City's modern rise, and his decision to speak publicly signals that key figures from that era are closing ranks.
Why Guardiola's backing matters now
The guilty verdict marks a major development in one of the most significant cases the Premier League has faced, with findings covering a prolonged nine-season period. The fallout brings renewed focus on what comes next for City, both on and off the pitch, and Guardiola's public alignment with the club sends a clear message that he stands with the current regime.
For Enzo Maresca, named directly by Guardiola, the challenge is now clear: leading the team through a period of intense scrutiny, noise and pressure from every angle. Guardiola's support may help steady the club's public position, but the football operation must continue amid the noise.
With Guardiola gone from the dugout, his words serve as a reminder of the era he built and the unity he believes the club still needs. Whether that translates into on-pitch resilience will depend on Maresca's ability to keep the squad focused.
Talking points
- Guardiola's decision to speak out so forcefully risks tying his legacy to a guilty verdict — was it loyalty or defiance?
- By naming Maresca, Guardiola has effectively anointed the new manager as the man to lead through the crisis. Does that pile on pressure or offer protection?
- The verdict covers nine seasons, yet the focus now shifts to punishment. Will the Premier League's next move define the club's future more than the verdict itself?
- City's supporters have been singled out in Guardiola's message. Does that fanbase now become the club's most powerful asset in managing the fallout?
What happens next
Manchester City must now await the Premier League's decision on possible punishment, while the club considers its response. Enzo Maresca's side face immediate fixtures with the verdict looming large. The next official communication from the club or the league will shape the narrative for weeks to come.
Frequently asked questions
What did Pep Guardiola say after Man City's guilty verdict?
Guardiola said he is 'behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters', adding: 'we will get through this together.'
Is Pep Guardiola still involved with Manchester City?
No, Guardiola left Manchester City in the summer. His message was posted on social media in support of the club after the verdict.
Who is Enzo Maresca and why did Guardiola mention him?
Enzo Maresca was named by Guardiola as the person now leading the team. Guardiola included him in a list of people he is backing, alongside the players and staff.
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